The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide, satellite-based radio navigation system that provides the exact position of your vehicle. Satellites transmit signals that can be detected by GPS receivers located in vehicles, allowing their location to be determined with high accuracy.

Each GPS satellite transmits radio signals that enable GPS receivers to calculate their (or your vehicle’s) location on Earth and convert these calculations into geodetic latitude, longitude, and velocity. A receiver requires signals from at least three GPS satellites to pinpoint a vehicle’s position.

GPS receivers, commonly used in most vehicle tracking systems, can only receive data from GPS satellites. They cannot communicate back to GPS or any other satellite. A GPS-based system can determine its location but cannot transmit it to a central control room. To enable this, such systems typically use GSM/GPRS cellular network connectivity through an additional GSM modem or module.

A Geographical Information System (GIS) is software that consists of comprehensive and detailed maps of cities, including longitude and latitude information for each place, street, junction, and address. A GPS-GSM system provides only the longitude and latitude of a vehicle, whereas GIS software, when properly developed, can provide details of the exact or nearby address where the vehicle is located.